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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
TORCH TODAY – Sunday, March 27, 2016
– At PWPodcasts.com: Full Recap of Wednesday’s PWTorch Livecast All-Star Panel with Pat McNeill talking to SHIMMER’S Dave Prazak and wrestling artist Rob Schamberger.
– It’s down to crunch time on John Cena’s involvement in WrestleMania 32. Cena will be all over TV this week, with three “Today” show appearances and one “Tonight Show” appearance on NBC. All four shows are taped in New York City and Monday’s Raw emanates from Brooklyn, so…
– On the other coast, John Cena is scheduled to appear at a “Creativity Counter Conference” in Los Angeles running May 24-25. The theme is the “most creative people in business.” Cena is scheduled to speak at the event presented by Fast Company. Interestingly, Cena is listed as an “actor, producer, entrepreneur.”
– Sports Illustrated went in-depth on why ESPN has expanded its WWE partnership, especially with multiple nights of WM32 coverage coming this week.
“We are seeing a really strong and clear correlation between wrestling and (ESPN) followers, and that helps make the argument all the more clear that this is something our fans care about,” said ESPN producer Glenn Jacobs (a/k/a not Kane). “There are millions of wrestling fans and a lot of them are also sports fans, so why not capture as much as the audience as we can? We experimented last year by sending Jonathan Coachman and a small team to Summerslam and it was well received. I would also add that Brock Lesnar’s cross-over success as an athlete in the UFC also helped.”
– Goldust announced that he will be part of a big unveiling related to his father, Dusty Rhodes, at WrestleMania Axxess this Thursday in Texas.
Next Thursday at #Axxess , I have the honor of unveiling something truly wonderful for the @WWEUniverse , for years to come. #DreamsFans
— GOLDUST (@Goldust) March 28, 2016
– Dean Ambrose talked to CBS Sports about overcoming his lack of size like many WWE wrestlers and freakish athletic ability like his WM32 opponent Brock Lesnar by being authentic with his persona.
“People can see through crap pretty easily. Just go out there and be comfortable. Be you. Be authentic,” Ambrose said. “If you’re the real you, people can feel like they know you a little bit. I think that’s why a lot of people kind of invest in me. They don’t know me, but they feel like they know me a little bit, because I’m not putting on a front.”
– NXT Women’s champion Bayley talked to wrestling columnist Mike Mooneyham about her expectations for being called up to the main roster in 2016.
“Sometime this year would be cool, but I also said that last year,” Bayley said. “I’m not really in a rush with how good NXT is going. I’m at the top right now as NXT champion and we’re traveling the world. I’m getting to be a part of NXT for their first time in many parts of the country. I’m happy that I’m here, but the ultimate dream is to be on the main roster. When that happens, I’ll be ready.”
– Another TNA veteran, Angelina Love, says she has left TNA after her contract expired while pregnant. Angelina is looking to take bookings again this summer after having her first child with Davey Richards.
Hey peeps! I'm taking bookings again in the summer! If interested, Please email beautifulwolves1@gmail.com!! #illbeback 👸🏼💪🏼
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) March 8, 2016
– Vendetta Pro Wrestling announced they will have a live wrestling show at the annual Cauliflower Alley Club on April 10 and 11 in Las Vegas. Vendetta also has a show on April 8 in Santa Maria, California. (Details at VendettaProWrestling.com)
– Sunday’s NOAH vs. New Japan results featuring the Suzukigun faction.
– Former New Japan star Shinsuke Nakamura has officially arrived in Florida to begin the next phase of his career at WWE’s Performance Center.
@shinsukenakamura has arrived to Orlando… Next up, #NXTTakeOver:Dallas! @wwenxt
– Video: NXT star Apollo Crews sat down with radio host Sam Roberts and co-host Katie Linendoll for 20 minutes at WWE’s Performance Center in Florida.